China Southern will become the first carrier to use the Airbus A380 superjumbo on a domestic route, between Guangzhou and Beijing, later this year.

The airline, the largest in China and the fourth largest in Asia, plans to start receiving its A380s in September this year, and will base them at its hub in Guangzhou.

The Guangzhou-Beijing flights -- taking just over three hours each way -- aren't the shortest for the superjumbo, however.

Emirates flies A380s on a slightly shorter route between its Dubai hub and Jeddah, which is the main gateway airport for Muslim Hajj pilgrims and so has the high passenger demand needed for an A380 to be economical.

Air France has also used the A380 on quick return flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle to London Heathrow in order to familiarise pilots and crew with the plane.

China Southern, meanwhile, could well be using these flights as a similar opportunity for training -- and to attract business travellers to its services.

With eight first class seats in a 1-2-1 layout, plus 70 business class seats in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, the airline's A380 mean domestic flight with international-standard comfort and the chance to work, dine or relax.